Automatic self-cleaning, self-filling pet water bowl apparatus, methods and systems

ABSTRACT

An automatic self-cleaning and self-filling outdoor fluid feeding system for an animal, including for example a pet, includes a sink; a fluid transport system; a housing supporting the sink and containing the fluid transport system; and a control assembly configured to control the automatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations of the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a nonprovisional application of, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application61/892,845 filed Oct. 18, 2013, which provisional patent application isincorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING

Submitted concurrently herewith via the USPTO's electronic filingsystem, and incorporated herein by reference, are computer program filesincluding instructions, routines, and/or other contents. A table settingforth the name and size of the files included in the computer programlisting is shown below.

File Name Creation Date File Size (bytes) ASCIFY.TXT Oct. 9, 2014 19:0437473 ED.TXT Oct. 9, 2014 19:04 2436420 README.TXT Oct. 9, 2014 19:042576

The “README.TXT” file contains instructions for using MASM version 6.11to compile an assembly conversion program from source code that iscontained in the “ASCIFY.TXT” file. The complied program then can beused to convert the “ED.TXT” file into a compressed .zip file. Thecompressed .zip file contains an eDrawings file viewable using a freeeDrawings program downloadable over the Internet. The eDrawings filerepresents a computer model of an embodiment of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to animal feeding systems and,in particular, to pet water bowl apparatus, methods and systems. Petwater bowl apparatus, methods, and systems are known. For example, U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0160995 purports to show anapparatus for supplying fresh water to pets on a constant basis. One ormore embodiments in accordance with one or more aspects and features ofthe present invention are believed to represent improvements overconventional animal feeding systems and, in particular, pet water bowlapparatus, methods and systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of automatic, self-cleaning and self-filling water bowlapparatus, methods and systems for pets, the present invention is notlimited to use only in such context, as will become apparent from thefollowing summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, andone or more embodiments of the present invention. For example, suchapparatus, methods and systems are applicable in the context of animalsother than pets, including animals in zoos as well as on farms andranches, for example. Indeed, such apparatus, methods and systems can beused in the context of horses, for instance.

Accordingly, in an aspect of the present invention, an automatic,self-cleaning and self-filling water bowl apparatus a sink; a fluidtransport system; a housing supporting the sink and containing the fluidtransport system; and a control assembly configured to control theautomatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations of the apparatus.

In a feature, the sink functions as a water bowl.

In a feature, the apparatus functions as a water feeding system for ananimal.

In a feature, the apparatus functions as an outdoor water feeding systemfor a pet.

In a feature, the sink has a fluid holding capacity comparable toconventional water bowls for dogs.

In a feature, the fluid transport system comprises a fluid inflowsubsystem for transporting water to the sink, and a fluid outflowsubsystem for transporting fluid from the sink. In particular, the fluidinflow subsystem preferably transports water from an exterior of thehousing to the sink, and the fluid outflow subsystem preferablytransports water from the sink to an exterior of the housing.

In a feature, the control assembly comprises a controller; a proximitysensor; a water level detector; and a valve control mechanism. Infeatures of this aspect, the fluid outflow system begins at an elevationbelow the bottom of the sink; ascends therealong to an elevation as highas the desired level of water to be held in the sink; and then descendstherealong to an elevation at least to—and preferably below—theelevation of the bottom of the sink; the valve control mechanismcomprises a solenoid valve that controls the flow of water through thefluid inflow subsystem to the sink; the control assembly furthercomprises a second valve control mechanism that controls the flow ofwater from the fluid inflow subsystem, through a bypass of the sink, tothe fluid outflow subsystem; and the water level detector comprises afloat switch for detecting when the water level in the sink reaches apredetermined level, wherein the water level detector is operativelyconnected to the controller, detection that the water level in the sinkhas reached the predetermined level triggers a signal to the controller;and the signal to the controller results in closing of the valve controlmechanism.

In a feature, the apparatus further comprises a power supply that plugsinto a conventional outlet for powering of the apparatus.

In a feature, the apparatus further comprises one or more batteries forpowering of the apparatus.

In a feature, the control assembly is solar powered.

In a feature, the housing further supports a removable food bowl at anelevated position, which food bowl is received within an opening of thecountertop of the housing.

In a feature, the control assembly further comprises a temperaturesensor operatively connected to a controller of the control assembly andconfigured to detect the temperature of water in the sink, wherein thetemperature can be monitored by the controller and wherein thecontroller is configured to initiate a flush and fill cycle upon thetemperature reaching a predetermined threshold.

In a feature, the control assembly further comprises an display screenoperatively connected to the controller for displaying information. Theinformation displayed may comprise at least one of water temperature,number of flushes and fills, status of operations, and any combinationthereof, which information preferably is monitored and stored intransitory or non-transitory computer-readable medium of the controller,as desired.

In a feature, the control assembly detects when an animal is proximatethe housing in front of the sink and, when the animal leaves suchproximity, the control assembly initiates a flush and fill cycle duringwhich the sink is flushed and filled with fluid. In a feature, the cyclemay be performed each time an animal is detected to have left suchproximity; the cycle may be performed after a predetermined number oftimes that an animal has been detected to have left such proximity, suchas for example three times; or both. Additionally, the predeterminednumber when included may be set by a user at the time of use of theapparatus; the display may include a touch screen display operativelyconnected to the controller, by which the predetermined number is set oradjusted by a user during use of the apparatus, when a display isincluded.

In another feature, an included valve control mechanism comprises asolenoid valve that controls the flow of fluid through, and a flush andfill cycle may be performed by opening the valve control mechanism topermit fluid flow therethrough. Additionally, the control assembly mayfurther comprise a second valve control mechanism comprising a secondsolenoid valve. In this scenario, the first valve control mechanismcontrols fluid flow through the fluid inflow subsystem to the sink; andthe second valve control mechanism controls fluid flow through the fluidinflow subsystem, around the sink thereby bypassing the sink, to thefluid outflow subsystem. The fluid transport system also may furthercomprise a sprayer configured such that, due to fluid pressure, fluid issprayed onto at least a portion of the side wall of the sink therebyrinsing the side wall of sink during at least part of the flush and fillcycle.

In another feature, a flush and fill cycle is performed by performing anopening and closing sequence of a plurality of valve control mechanismsto selectively permit fluid flow therethrough for active flushing anddraining of fluid from the sink and filling of the sink with fluid. Thesequence may be based on overlapping or exclusive opening of the two ormore of the valve control mechanisms as well as duration of time thateach valve control mechanism remains open.

In another aspect, one or more systems include the aforementioned aspectand one or more features.

In another aspect, methods includes use and operation of theaforementioned apparatus and systems.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic self-cleaning andself-filling water bowl apparatus in accordance with one or more aspectsand features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is view similar to that of FIG. 3, wherein a top cover panel 20is removed.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the topcover panel 20 is removed.

FIG. 6 is side elevational view of a first side of the apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a second side of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 that is opposite to the side of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the first side of the apparatus ofFIG. 1, wherein certain components are omitted for a view of the insideof the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a partial, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 withcertain components omitted for a view of the inside of the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is the same view of FIG. 11, with the sink further beingomitted.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the fluid transport subsystem ofthe apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the subsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is left elevational side view of the subsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a right elevational side view of the subsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the subsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the subsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the subsystem of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a float switch housing and nutsubassembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the float switch housing and nutsubassembly of FIG. 20.

FIGS. 22 through 30 each shows a photograph of components of a workingprototype of an automatic self-cleaning and self-filling pet water bowlapparatus and system performing methods in accordance with one or moreaspects and features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. As should be understood,any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed foradditional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended nor is to be construed to limitthe scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, whichscope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It isnot intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the presentinvention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found hereinthat does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6 or subsection (f),no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with thisstatutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for”is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutoryprovision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claimelement.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

The automatic self-cleaning and self-filling water bowl apparatus 100 inaccordance with one or more aspects and features of the presentinvention generally comprises a sink 4; a fluid transport system 102,which sometimes may be referred to herein as plumbing; a housing 104supporting the sink 4 at an elevated position and containing the fluidtransport system 102; and a control assembly 106 for controlling theautomatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anautomatic self-cleaning and self-filling water bowl apparatus 100.Additionally, FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1; FIG. 4is view similar to that of FIG. 3, wherein a top cover panel 20 has beenremoved; FIG. 5 is perspective view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1wherein the top cover panel 20 has been removed; FIG. 6 is sideelevational view of a first side of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1; FIG. 7is a side elevational view of a second side of the apparatus 100 of FIG.1 that is opposite to the side of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a rear elevationalview of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of theapparatus 100 of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the firstside of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, wherein certain components areomitted for providing a view of the inside of the apparatus 100; FIG. 11is a partial, perspective view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 10 withcertain components omitted for providing a view of the inside of theapparatus 100; and FIG. 12 is the same view of FIG. 11, with the sink 4further being omitted.

Additionally, FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the fluid transportsubsystem 150; FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the subsystem 150; FIG. 15is left elevational side view of the subsystem 150; FIG. 16 is a rightelevational side view of the subsystem 150; FIG. 17 is a rearelevational view of the subsystem 150; FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view ofthe subsystem 150; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the subsystem 150;FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a float switch housing and nutsubassembly of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1; and FIG. 21 is a perspectiveview of the float switch housing and nut subassembly of FIG. 20.

The apparatus 100 preferably serves as an outdoor water feeding systemfor a pet, and the sink 4 preferably has a fluid holding capacitycomparable to conventional water bowls for dogs. In this respect,conventional water bowls generally range in size from a pint to elevenquarts corresponding to the size and number of dogs that will use thewater bowl.

The fluid transport system 102 is perhaps best shown in FIG. 12 andcomprises a fluid inflow subsystem and a fluid outflow subsystem. Thefluid inflow subsystem delivers water to a sink 4, which serves as awater bowl; the fluid outflow subsystem delivers water from the sink 4.In this respect, the fluid inflow subsystem delivers water to a sink 4preferably from an exterior of the housing 104, and the fluid outflowsubsystem delivers water from the sink 4 preferably to an exterior ofthe housing 104.

The fluid inflow subsystem comprises a passageway, preferably defined byconnected PVC piping and tubing, including: a supply line 33, a distalend of which protrudes external to the housing 104 and includes aconnector for connecting to a water hose (not shown); a fill hose 38;and a spray ring 27.

The fluid outflow subsystem comprises a passageway, preferably definedby connected PVC piping and tubing, including: a main drain pipe 8; athreaded pipe 7; a bottom pipe 11; a PVC pipe 6; a vertical flush pipe9; a U-shaped PVC pipe 5; a vertical drain pipe 10; and a drainpipe 29,a distal end of which protrudes external to the housing 104 and mayinclude a connector for connecting to a water hose preferably fortransport to a sewer drain or, alternatively, drainage to a yard,garden, or shrubbery (not shown). Furthermore, the fluid outflow systembegins at an elevation below the bottom of the sink 4, and preferablythe elevation of the top of the main drain pipe 8, ascends to anelevation as high as the desired level of water to be held in the sink4, and then descends to an elevation at least to—and preferablybelow—the elevation of the bottom of the sink 4. In the illustratedembodiment, the fluid outflow subsystem descends generally to theelevation of the drainage pipe 29.

The housing 104 supports the sink 4 at an elevated position and containsthe fluid transport system 102. As shown, the housing 104 preferablycomprises: a top cover or countertop 1 supported by side support panel 2at one end; side support panel 16 at an opposite end; and back panel 15extending therebetween and defining a backside of the apparatus 100. Thehousing 104 further comprises an inside panel 17 aligned in parallelwith the end panels 2,16 and supporting an intermediate portion of thecountertop 1. The housing 104 also comprises a front panel 18 thatextends between the inside panel 17 and side panel 2 by which, togetherwith the back panel 15, define an enclosed plumbing space is provided inwhich the fluid transport system 102 is contained.

The housing 104 further comprises a control front panel, top side cap 19at one end thereof, top side cap 23 at an opposite end thereof; and topcover panel 20 which, together with the back panel 15, define anenclosed controller space in which components of the control assembly106 is contained. As will be appreciated, other components of thecontrol assembly 106 are contained within the housing with the fluidtransport system, described in detail herein.

In this regard, the control assembly 106 as illustrated preferablycomprises a controller, such as control circuitry illustrated as acustomizable circuit board commercially available from Arduino SA at theurl arduino.cc, and a proximity sensor 35, both contained within thecontroller space. The control assembly 106 further comprises: a waterlevel detector, represented by a float switch (not shown) contained in afloat switch holder 33 secured with a float switch nut 32 at the top endof water level pipe 12, and a hose 22 for water level detection,extending from the bottom end of the water level pipe 12—andspecifically an end cap 13 with port—to the threaded pipe 7; a solenoidvalve 24 extending between and controlling flow between supply line 33and fill hose 24; and a solenoid valve 25 and clearing hose 26 defininga fluid passageway from the supply line 33 to the threaded pipe 7bypassing the sink 4. These additional components are contained withinthe plumbing space. Wires extend between and connect the controlcircuitry 21 with the other electronic components of the controlassembly 106, some wires of which are not shown in the drawings forclarity. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 preferably is powered with aconventional power supply that plugs into a conventional outlet, whichis not shown for clarity. In alternatives, the apparatus is powered byone or more batteries; powered by solar power; or both.

Optionally, the apparatus 100 further supports at an elevated position aremovable food bowl 14 that is received within an opening of thecountertop 1, as illustrated in the drawings; the control assembly 106of apparatus 100 further comprises a temperature sensor 30 configured todetect the temperature of water in the sink 4, whereby the temperaturecan be monitored by the controller; and the control assembly 106 furthercomprises an display screen 34 for displaying information, including forexample, water temperature, number of flushes and fills, status ofoperations, and any other desired operational data of the apparatus. Theinformation is displayed preferably from data that is monitored andstored in transitory or non-transitory computer-readable medium of thecontroller, as desired. Moreover, in implementations using solar and/orbatteries, a battery level may be displayed.

The control assembly 106 controls operations of the apparatus 100. Inoperation, the control assembly 106 detects when an animal is proximatethe housing 102 in front of the sink 4 via the proximity sensor 35. Whenthe animal leaves such proximity, the control assembly initiates a flushand fill cycle during which the sink 4 is flushed and filled. The cyclemay be performed each time an animal is detected to have left suchproximity.

Alternatively, a count of the number of times an animal has beendetected to have left such proximity can be kept, with a flush and fillcycle being carried out after a predetermined threshold is reached. Inthis respect, a cycle may be performed every third time that an animalhas been detected to have left such proximity. In any event, the triggerpoint is set so as to present clean water for an animal to drink.Preferably, the trigger point is adjustable, and is set by a user at thetime of implementation of the apparatus 100. Alternatively, the triggerpoint can be preset as part of the manufacture of the apparatus 100. Inat least one embodiment, the display 34 comprises a touch screen displayoperatively connected to the controller, by which user input componentthe threshold number can be set or adjusted by a user any time duringuse of the apparatus 100. The control assembly further optionally mayinclude a chronometric apparatus for keeping time, and a flush and fillcycle may be performed at one or more predetermined times of day and/ordays of the week, as predetermined or set by the user.

Optionally, and the controller is configured to initiate a flush andfill cycle upon the temperature reaching a predetermined threshold, whena temperature sensor is included in the control assembly. Thepredetermined threshold could be set so as to avoid freezing of thefluid in the sink; could be set so as to maintain cooler fluid in thesink than ambient temperature; or both. Moreover, a heating element maybe provided in some embodiments, which heating element is operativelyconnected to and activated by the controller for heating of the fluid inthe sink in order to prevent freezing.

In a preferred method of performing a flush and fill cycle, solenoidvalve 24 is opened to permit fluid flow therethrough from the supplyline 33 to the fill hose 28. The fluid travels through the fill hose 28into the spray ring 27. The spray ring 27 includes a number of spacedopenings. Due to fluid pressure, the fluid exits each opening in theform of a spray jet. Each opening preferably is formed such that thespray jet exiting the opening is directed to a portion of the side wallof the sink 4 (this is shown, for example, in FIG. 24, described below).It will be appreciated that when the fluid is being flushed from thesink, the spray jet serves to rinse a portion of the side wall of sink.

In the preferred method of performing a flush and fill cycle, solenoidvalve 25 also is opened to permit fluid flow therethrough from thesupply line 33 to the fill hose 28. The fluid travels through the fillhose 28 into a port of the threaded pipe 7. Fluid pressure causes thefluid to flow into and through the threaded pipe 7 toward the fluid exit41 of drainpipe 29, traveling through the bottom pipe 11; PVC pipe 6; avertical flush pipe 9; a U-shaped PVC pipe 5; a vertical drain pipe 10;and a drainpipe 29, a distal end of which protrudes external to thehousing 104 and preferably includes a connector for connecting to awater hose for drainage to a yard, garden, or shrubbery. It will beappreciated that the opening the solenoid valve 25 results in activeflushing of the fluid in the sink 4.

In the preferred method, the solenoid valve 25 is opened first, whilekeeping the solenoid valve 24 closed, which results in flushing of thesink 4. After about three seconds, the solenoid valve 24 is opened forabout two seconds while the solenoid valve 25 is kept closed, resultingin rinsing of the sink 4 with maximum system fluid pressure. Thereafter,the solenoid valve 25 is again opened for about two seconds and thesolenoid valve 25 is closed for additional flushing of the sink 4. Thesolenoid valve 24 is again opened and the solenoid valve 25 is closedfor filling of the sink 4. The solenoid valve 24 is kept open until thefloat switch detects that the water level in the sink 4 has reached thedesired water level for presenting water to an animal for drinking.

The control assembly 104 can be configured for alternatives sequencesand durations of operation of the solenoid valves 24,25, as will beappreciated to the Ordinary Artisan. For example, the solenoid valve 25first could be opened for about four seconds to flush the sink 4, andthen the solenoid valve 24 could be opened to fill the sink 4.Furthermore, the solenoid valve 24 could be opened concurrently with thesolenoid valve 25 for simultaneous rinsing and flushing of the sink 4.

With reference now to FIGS. 22 through 30 of U.S. patent applicationpublication No. 2015/0107522 representing the publication of the currentapplication, which publication is incorporated herein by reference, eachof these figures shows a photograph of components of a working prototypeof an automatic self-cleaning and self-filling pet water bowl apparatusand system performing methods in accordance with one or more aspects andfeatures of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 22 of thepublication is a perspective view of the prototype positioned for usenear shrubbery on a back patio. FIG. 23 of the publication is anotherview of the prototype as shown in FIG. 22 of the publication.

FIG. 24 of the publication is a view of the prototype during rinsing ofthe sink; jets of water being sprayed from the spray ring circling thetop of the sink can be seen. The water jets are directed against thelength of the walls of the sink. The top cover panel is also removed toshow the components of the control assembly contained therein. The waterhose is also shown coupled to the supply line, and an electrical powercord can be seen, which supplies power to the prototype.

FIG. 25 of the publication is another view of components of theprototype, wherein the back panel has been removed. The components ofthe control assembly within the controller space are perhaps been seenin FIG. 25 of the publication, including the wires connecting theelectric components. The electric power supply of the prototype also isperhaps best seen in FIG. 25 of the publication, the power supply boxbeing located on the inside of the side panel that bounds part of theplumbing space. FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 of the publication are similar viewsto that of FIG. 25 of the publication.

FIG. 28 of the publication focuses on the fluid transport system withinthe plumbing space, and FIG. 29 of the publication is a similar view tothat of FIG. 28 of the publication. The two solenoid valves of thecontrol assembly are perhaps best seen in this view.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

LEGEND

The following components are called out in the drawings with thefollowing callout numbers.

-   -   1 Countertop    -   2 Side support panel    -   3 Control front panel    -   4 Sink    -   5 U-shaped PVC pipe    -   6 PVC pipe    -   7 Threaded pipe    -   8 Main drain pipe    -   9 Vertical flush pipe    -   10 Vertical drain pipe    -   11 Bottom pipe    -   12 Water level pipe    -   13 Water level end cap with port    -   14 Food bowl    -   15 Back panel large    -   16 Side support panel    -   17 Inside panel    -   18 Front panel    -   19 Top side cap    -   20 top cover panel    -   21 controller (Arduino board)    -   22 Hose for water level detection    -   23 Top side cap    -   24 Solenoid valve    -   25 Solenoid valve    -   26 Clearing hose    -   27 Spray ring    -   28 Fill hose    -   29 Drainpipe    -   30 Temperature sensor    -   31 Float switch holder    -   32 Nut for float switch holder    -   33 Supply line    -   34 Display    -   35 Proximity sensor    -   41 Fluid exit    -   100 Apparatus    -   102 Fluid transport system    -   104 Housing    -   106 Control assembly

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic self-cleaning and self-fillinganimal bowl apparatus, comprising a sink; a housing supporting the sink;a fluid transport system comprising a fluid inflow subsystem configuredto transport water from an exterior of the housing to the sink, and afluid outflow subsystem configured to transport fluid from the sink tothe exterior of the housing; and a control assembly configured tocontrol the automatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations of theapparatus; wherein the fluid outflow system begins at an elevation belowthe bottom of the sink, ascends therealong to an elevation as high as alevel of fluid that can be held in the sink, and then descendstherealong at least to an elevation of the bottom of the sink.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the control assembly comprises acontroller; a proximity sensor; a fluid level detector for detecting afluid level in the sink; and a valve control mechanism.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the valve control mechanism comprises a solenoidvalve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluid inflow subsystemto the sink.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control assemblyfurther comprises a second valve control mechanism that controls theflow of fluid from the fluid inflow subsystem, through a bypass of thesink, to the fluid outflow subsystem.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the fluid level detector comprises a float switch for detectingwhen the fluid level in the sink reaches a predetermined level.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid level detector is operativelyconnected to the controller; wherein detection that the fluid level inthe sink has reached the predetermined level triggers a signal to thecontroller; and wherein the signal to the controller results in closingof the valve control mechanism.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehousing further supports a removable food bowl at an elevated position,which food bowl is received within an opening of a countertop of thehousing.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control assemblyfurther comprises a temperature sensor operatively connected to acontroller of the control assembly and configured to detect thetemperature of fluid in the sink, wherein the controller is configuredto initiate a flush and fill cycle upon the temperature reaching apredetermined threshold.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontrol assembly further comprises a display screen operativelyconnected to the controller for displaying information.
 10. An automaticself-cleaning and self-filling water feeding apparatus for an animal,comprising: a sink; a fluid transport system; a housing supporting thesink and containing the fluid transport system; and a control assemblyconfigured to control the automatic self-cleaning and self-fillingoperations of the water feeding apparatus, wherein the control assemblydetects when an animal is proximate the housing in front of the sinkand, the control assembly initiates a flush and fill cycle, during whichthe sink is flushed and filled with fluid, when the animal is detectedto have left such proximity.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thecycle is performed each time an animal is detected to have left suchproximity.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cycle is performedafter a predetermined number of times that an animal has been detectedto have left such proximity.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein thepredetermined number is set by a user at the time of use of theapparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the display comprisesa touch screen display operatively connected to the controller, by whichthe predetermined number is set or adjusted by a user during use of theapparatus.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control assemblycomprises a valve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluidtransport system to the sink, and wherein a flush and fill cycle isperformed by opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough forfilling of the sink with fluid.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe fluid transport system further comprises a sprayer configured suchthat, due to fluid pressure, fluid is sprayed onto at least a portion ofa side wall of the sink thereby rinsing the side wall of the sink duringat least part of the flush and fill cycle.
 17. The apparatus of claim15, wherein the control assembly further comprises a second valve thatcontrols the flow of fluid through the fluid transport system, aroundthe sink thereby bypassing the sink, and wherein a flush and fill cycleis performed by further opening the second valve to permit fluid flowtherethrough for active draining of the fluid from the sink.
 18. Anautomatic self-cleaning and self-filling animal bowl apparatus,comprising a sink; a housing supporting the sink; a fluid transportsystem comprising a fluid inflow subsystem configured to transport waterfrom an exterior of the housing to the sink, and a fluid outflowsubsystem configured to transport fluid from the sink to the exterior ofthe housing; and a control assembly configured to control the automaticself-cleaning and self-filling operations of the apparatus; wherein thehousing further supports a removable food bowl at an elevated position,which food bowl is received within an opening of a countertop of thehousing.
 19. An automatic self-cleaning and self-filling animal bowlapparatus, comprising a sink; a housing supporting the sink; a fluidtransport system comprising a fluid inflow subsystem configured totransport water from an exterior of the housing to the sink, and a fluidoutflow subsystem configured to transport fluid from the sink to theexterior of the housing; and a control assembly configured to controlthe automatic self-cleaning and self-filling operations of theapparatus; wherein the control assembly further comprises a displayscreen operatively connected to the controller for displayinginformation.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the housing furthersupports a removable food bowl at an elevated position, which food bowlis received within an opening of a countertop of the housing.